A criminal charge or conviction can detrimentally impact a person for the rest of their life. Whether it is a minor offense, misdemeanor, or a felony, committing a crime could result in jail time, a hefty fine, or both. In any case, obtaining legal representation is crucial for alleged offenders to ensure they are not wrongfully or excessively penalized.
If you or someone you care for were recently charged or convicted of committing a crime, a dedicated legal advocate could help fight the potential penalties. To get assistance with your legal claim, reach out to a skilled Georgia criminal defense lawyer today.
The uncertainty following a criminal charge can be trying, no matter how minor or severe the offense may be. As such, those facing substantial penalties should seek legal representation shortly after being charged or convicted.
If you or a beloved member of your family has been accused of committing a crime, you should not go through the legal process alone. Learn what a skilled legal advocate could do for you by contacting a Georgia criminal defense lawyer.
In Georgia, crimes are classified as either misdemeanors or felonies. Additionally, certain offenses may fall under different subcategories. For example, misdemeanors are divided into ordinary misdemeanors and misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature.
These criminal offense classifications are what determine the penalties imposed upon those who commit a particular crime. The more severe a criminal offense is considered, the higher the fine or the longer the jail time an alleged offender could face. For instance, under Official Code of Georgia §17-10-3(a), those convicted of committing a misdemeanor offense could face a $1,000 fine, up to 12 months in jail, or both. More severe misdemeanors are subject to the increased penalties for misdemeanors of a high and aggravated nature including up to a $5,000 fine. Penalties for felonies vary from one year to life in prison depending on the severity of the offense.
Particularly heinous crimes, such as sex crimes, carry more severe penalties. Additionally, if a person is found to have committed the same offense multiple times, the punitive measures taken against them could be harsher than those against first-time offenders. In any case, if a person faces potential penalization for a crime, they should retain a criminal defense attorney in Georgia to help minimize or avoid these consequences.
